C. Richard Baker

C. Richard “Dick” Baker brings more than five decades of distinguished legal experience to Keith & Lorfing, including an accomplished career as a state and federal prosecutor and service as an Assistant United States Attorney for both the District of New Mexico and the Northern District of Texas. A former United States Marine Corps officer and Vietnam veteran, Mr. Baker combines prosecutorial strength, military discipline, and courtroom experience to provide aggressive and strategic criminal defense representation.

After graduating from the University of New Mexico in 1967, Mr. Baker entered the United States Marine Corps through the NROTC program and served as an officer from 1967 to 1970, including combat-era service in Vietnam. Following military service, he earned his Juris Doctor from Baylor University School of Law and went on to build a nationally respected career in criminal prosecution and trial advocacy.

Throughout his career, Mr. Baker handled some of the most serious and high-profile criminal matters in state and federal court, including serving as Chief Riot Prosecutor following the infamous 1980 New Mexico Penitentiary Riot. He later spent more than 30 years with the United States Department of Justice, where he prosecuted complex federal felony cases as an Assistant United States Attorney. His extensive trial experience and deep understanding of federal criminal procedure make him a formidable advocate for clients facing serious criminal allegations.

At Keith & Lorfing, Mr. Baker now focuses his practice on criminal defense, with a particular passion for representing veterans and active-duty military personnel. Drawing from his own Marine Corps background, he understands the unique pressures, sacrifices, and service-related challenges military members face. He has extensive experience addressing cases involving PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other service-related conditions that may impact criminal conduct, and he is committed to ensuring veterans receive both strong legal advocacy and compassionate representation.

Mr. Baker’s reputation as a seasoned trial lawyer, former federal prosecutor, and Marine veteran provides clients with a rare combination of credibility, toughness, and integrity both inside and outside the courtroom.